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Series 6: Law practice, 1854-1898

After studying law at the University of Melbourne and at evening classes, Deakin was admitted to the Bar in September 1877. Few briefs came his way and he was drawn increasingly into his work as a journalist for The Age. His entry into politics in 1879, and for a longer period from 1881, caused a cessation of his legal practice until financial difficulties forced his return in 1892. He earned a good income from his practice until he became absorbed in Federal politics in 1900.
This series contains a small amount of correspondence with clients, together with notes, briefs and other documents relating to a number of cases, particularly the Deeming case, 1892. Several notebooks in Series 3 were originally used by Deakin to record legal matters, and these may contain additional information regarding his law practice.
This series contains Items 6/1 - 6/303. Several items from Subseries 6.3 have been digitised and are available online through this finding aid.

 

Subseries 6.1 Correspondence, 1854-1896
Correspondence from clients, primarily dating from the 1890s. This subseries contains Items 6/1 - 6/15.
Subseries 6.2 Notes, briefs, opinions and other documents, 1876-1898
Deakin's power of attorney, 1879, for his friend Henry Johnstone, together with miscellaneous notes and legal documents referring to a number of cases. Among these are the City of Melbourne Building Society case, 1889, the City of Melbourne Bank Ltd case, 1896, and a brief on behalf of Hyndman Thomson and Nelan for conspiracy, 1897. This subseries contains Items 6/16 - 6/178.
Subseries 6.3 Deeming case, 1892
Extensive records of the Deeming case, including affidavits, evidence from the Coroner's Court and Deakin's notes on the trial. Deakin defended Frederick Deeming (alias Albert Williams), who was charged with the murder of Emily Williams. Her body had been found under a hearthstone in a Melbourne house. Deeming was also charged with the murder, several years earlier, of his wife and four children in their home near Manchester, which focused international attention on the outcome of the case. This subseries contains Items 6/179 - 6/302.
Subseries 6.4 The theory of legal duties and rights (1883)
Copy of William Edward Hearn's book The theory of legal duties and rights (1883). This subseries contains Item 6/303.
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